What is the difference between a dermal therapist and a beauty therapist?

A beauty therapist using pads as part of a facial

Careers and beauty and skincare have become ever more popular as the demand for new treatments rises. With multiple speciality areas, there are a whole host of jobs to choose from, two of the most renowned being beauty therapy and dermal therapy.

But what do these jobs entail, and what is the difference between a dermal therapist and a beauty therapist?

In this blog we will explore these career pathways, what they are, how they are different, as well as offering greater insight into how to get into these beauty fields.

What is a beauty therapist?

The job of a beauty therapist, or esthetician as they are also known, is to tend to the aesthetic requirements of each individual client. The treatments offered by beauty therapists are often temporary or semi-permanent, not being too invasive and focusing more on a boost of confidence than a longer term treatment.

Makeup, nail tech and beauty treatments such as eyebrow or lash enhancements are the bread and butter for a beauty therapist. Beauty therapists must have a solid and extensive knowledge of treatments and products to suit all situations. Keeping up to date with new treatments and products will keep you relevant and on trend. 

Beauty therapy is often a very sociable job, with rapport and excellent customer service being at the forefront of the treatments. Clients often see beauty treatments as time to relax and refresh, to give themselves a boost of confidence, and a beauty therapist can make or break this experience. 

Being approachable and friendly is top of the list when it comes to business excellence, and taking the time to make each client feel like they have truly been listened to will build a positive reputation which hopefully will spread through recommendation.

What is a dermal therapist?

While dermal therapy still focuses on the cosmetic side of things, this form of therapy is often more clinical and requires further training in dermal science in order to fully qualify. 

Dermal therapists specialise in skin – how it works, what it needs and how to get the best results for clients with practices rooted in dermal science. With courses in dermal therapy or dermal science you will get a greater insight to the more medical side of skin therapy, covering such topics as removal of skin tags, hair, tattoos and leg veins, scarring, wound healing, inflammatory conditions and pre and post operative skin care. Our British neighbours over at the NHS offer some insight into some of these issues

A dermal therapist will be able to analyse a client’s skin with extensive knowledge and understanding, as well as offer more advanced and invasive treatments such as needling and chemical peels.

A client may come to a dermal therapist with a specific problem area they are experiencing with their skin, perhaps a certain goal of something they want to reduce or how they want their skin to look and feel. The therapist will then tailor the client’s experience to this particular issue and advise them on products and treatments.

Sometimes a client may not quite know where to start with how to manage and look after their skin type, and therefore it is the job of the skin therapist to offer them this guidance. The therapist will help the client figure out their skin type and advise them how to best treat and prevent certain dermatological issues, at times even recommending further medication or specialist treatment.

A skin therapist must know their industry, staying up to date with the latest products, treatments and recent science of the industry. 

Dermal therapist vs beauty therapist infographic

How do I become a dermal therapist or beauty therapist?

Like any career, training can take time. Luckily, New Zealand Beauty School is here to make things a little easier!

Joining a beauty or dermal therapy course at an esthetician school, and taking part in comprehensive skincare courses – facial courses, a facial skincare course, a facial massage course, a skin therapist course, to name a few – you will be on a straight path to success.

Qualifying as a beauty or dermal therapist will arm you with all the essential skills and know-how from multiple sectors of the industry, helping you get to a professional level. 

Here are just some of the things you will learn with us:

  • Skin anatomy and nutrition
  • Skin conditions
  • Skin types
  • Analysis of the skin
  • Product recommendation
  • Steaming
  • Extractions
  • Cleansing 
  • Exfoliation
  • Toning
  • Application of products such as moisturisers, serums and oils
  • Face, head and mask massage
  • Aftercare
  • Client consultation 
  • Legalities
  • Contraindications
  • Customer service
  • Session prep and setup.

There is a skin therapist course to suit all interests. Perhaps you are looking for skin facial courses and courses where you can learn facial massage, or maybe you want to try a dermal therapy course or start facial extraction training – whatever your dream, there is sure to be a course out there to help make it come true. Whether you are returning to training and just want a facial refresher course, or want to go the whole hog and delve right into more advanced beauty therapy courses, we want to help you find the right fit for you.

Here at New Zealand Beauty school we offer several comprehensive and professionally tailored beauty therapy courses. To name a few of our beauty facial courses:

Certificate in Facials 

Eyebrow Henna, Lamination, Facial Waxing and Tinting

Eyelash Extension, Lift and Tint

Professional Makeup Artistry 

How do I become a dermal therapist or beauty therapist infographic

Liking what you hear? Come join us today!

Our online facial courses are created by professionals, and will give you high-quality, rounded learning to prepare you for every aspect of the industry. And you won’t just be learning about the beauty side of things – we will equip you with the knowledge needed to succeed in the business, such as organising appointments, stock orders, salon management, customer rapport and more

Our courses come with a custom-designed kit, containing everything you will need to complete your training, sent right to your front door. The kit will have all the necessary gear to give you the best start to your career, allowing you to experiment and explore from the comfort of your own home.

All courses come with a downloadable brochure with further information about course content, modules and assessments, accessing your learning online and tutor support. Once you have completed the course you will receive a certificate of attainment, adding that touch of impressive professionalism to offer to potential employers.

Choosing to study a beauty course online will give you 24/7 access to your studies, giving you the flexibility to work your learning around your schedule and lifestyle.

Enrol in one of our beauty facial courses today and learn how to build the career you have always dreamed of. 

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